Boston Marathon bombing site to reopen soon

Area has been closed since attacks

The six-block site around the scene of the Boston Marathon bombing could soon reopen to the public.

The area has been closed since the attack on Monday while investigators painstakingly collect evidence.

State police reopened the Copley exit ramp from the Mass Pike eastbound at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Mayor Tom Menino said the rest of the Copley Square area would reopen in five phases once the FBI released the crime scene.

“Nearly a week ago our city took a deep breath and was forced to dive into a pool of uncertainty and fear,” Menino said. “Friday as our officers reported to the world 'we got him,' a huge sigh of relief was felt across our great city and nation so now it is time for us to start moving our city forward.”

Menino said officials were committed to making sure the area opens with respect to the victims and their families. They also want to make sure the area reopens quickly and seamlessly without bureaucracy for the business owners and residents who were also affected by the attack.

Earlier in the day, the makeshift memorial that had formed at the edge of the site in honor of the bombing victims was relocated to Copley Square Park in anticipation of the reopening of Boylston Street.

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